Attorney sues NC to raise troopers' pay

Some attorneys say North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers are facing severe financial hardships because the state has broken a promise to give them pay raises.

Associated Press

Some attorneys say North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers are facing severe financial hardships because the state has broken a promise to give them pay raises.

A breach of contract lawsuit was filed Monday in Cherokee County, with nearly 40 state troopers as plaintiffs. Attorneys say they hope to contact all 520 troopers affected by the breach of contract lawsuit within the next 90 days.

Attorney David Wijewickrama says troopers were promised graduated or step pay raises when they completed training at the academy. But he says that hasn't happened in years.

He says that has created financial hardship for some troopers who are having trouble making ends meet. A beginning trooper makes about $35,000 a year.

State Public Safety Department officials couldn't immediately be reached for comment Monday.